Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has admitted that his side still have a lot to learn after losing their first game of the season against Crystal Palace. Goals from Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha condemned Boro to a first loss of the season.
Middlesbrough failed to really test Steve Mandanda in the first half and it wasn't until late in the second half that they managed to apply some much needed pressure to the Palace goal.
#Middlesbrough #Boro Four key talking points from Middlesbrough's defeat - plus Aitor Karanka's reaction https://t.co/jSwbl5V0vv
Speaking toMiddlesbrough'swebsite, Karanka said,If we don't play with our intensity and style, which we didn't in the first 45 minutes, it is the Premier League and we are going to pay.
"We have lost the game today but we can't forget we are in a good position.I think it's a really good game to learn, and we have to think about the future.
"I am really pleased with the squad and players that we have.Now, we have to prepare for next Saturday's game against Everton.I told [the players] after the game we are in a good position and we have to keep going."
Karanka was also disappointed with the decision by referee Neil Swarbrick not to award two penalties to his side during the course of the game, whilst also lamenting his side's first half display.
TheTeeside GazettequotedKaranka assaying,I don't need to say anything because I think everyone could see that both of them (were penalties).So for that reason I don't need to say anything, I just need to say we lost because of mistakes.�
Regarding his side's first half performance, Karanka said, "It wasn't just the first 10 minutes, the first 35 minutes wasn't good and when we went to the pitch in the second half I thought we were going to be better but we conceded the second goal.
"We are learning, we were in a good moment before the game and I am going to say now I am frustrated and disappointed because I said on Thursday I was really pleased with the squad and one more lesson is we have to play with the same intensity."
FULL TIME Boro 1-2 Palace. Strikes from Benteke & Zaha mean the away side heads home victorious #MIDPAL pic.twitter.com/VD4x3YPyh3